Replies

1. 
   renosteinke | Apr 15, 2015 07:13pm | #1

   Use Common Resources

   What you ask is a very common, even basic, construction issue: create a fire-resistant barrier between the living part of the building and whatever else remains. The most common example of this is the wall most homes have between the house and the garage.

   What is a fire wall? It is a wall that completely separates parts of a building. Not only does it resist the spread of fire from one part of the building to another, it also keeps heat from passing throug- all for a limited period of time. That's the key - and why a wall made of solid steel will not ever be considered a 'firewall,' while ordinary drywall can be used,

   Your first need is to decide how long you want the wall to impede a fire. 20 minutes? 1 hour? 3 hours? You'll need to ask your building department.

   Here's where you see the value of a sprinkler system. While the presence of a sprinkler system will NOT replace the need for a fire wall, the wall can often be built to witstand a fire for a shorter time.

   There are many open resources that detail proven firewall designs. US Gypsum's web site has links to several such resources. UL publishes "Fire Resistance Directories." Etc. Drywall is a popular choice because it is cheap, easy to work with, and very effective. Find a plan you like and follow it in every detail.

   The devil is in the details, Not only the wall faces, but every door and window in that wall must be designed to stop the spread of fire. Doors are available with UL listings for various degrees of resistance, in minutes. You must also use the proper frames and hardware.  Your design also should detail how you will treat other things that are in the wall, things like electrical boxes.

1. 
   TarloFarm | Apr 15, 2015 08:22pm | #2

   Thanks, "20 minute burn"

   Thanks, "20 minute burn" seems to be the rate.  I think we're looking at putting steel on the underside of the existing roof trusses, then running the interior wall to that. I'm interested in any other product anyone may know of besides drywall and steel that might be easily installed.

1. 
   DanH | Apr 15, 2015 10:05pm | #3

   There are, of course, various paneling materials that can be used instead of drywall.  I recall about 10 years back a church we worked on in Kentucky where a gymnasium was added and they used a sort of fiberglass-impregnated drywall.  It was much more impact resistant than regular drywall and also, IIRC, had a higher fire rating.  (Don't recall the name of the stuff, though.)

1. 
   mark122 | Apr 18, 2015 08:06am | #5

   Densglass?

   Dan, you talking about densglass?

   its not any simpler, cheaper or lighter than drywall. 

   If your looking for alternatives to the drywall look, you can either drywall(cheapest option) or sheath with plywood and then cover it with your choice of material that meets your aesthetical standard.

2. 
   DanH | Apr 16, 2015 07:57am | #4

   You're probably not going to find something much lighter than drywall, but with a similar fire rating.  One reason drywall is such a good fire stopper is that the gypsum incorporates within it a lot of water.  As the gypsum is heated the water boils off and cools the board.  So the weight is directly related to fire resistance.

3. 
   renosteinke | Apr 19, 2015 09:53am | #6

   "Drywall" Differs

   Visit the web site of any drywall manufacturer, and you will see that drywall is made in dozens of varieties.

   Some are more moisture resistant; some are designed to block sound; some have improved impact resistance, etc.

   In other words, not all drywall is the same stuff.

   Plus there are the other masonry sheet goods- tile backer board, cement board, etc.

1. 
   TarloFarm | Apr 21, 2015 12:31pm | #7

   Thanks to all, we're going with sheet metal on the top, and drywall on the vertical wall.